The sun shone brightly over Vailor as Takumi, Elara, Vespera, and Liriel crossed the central square toward the Guild. The movement was more intense than usual, and the reason was obvious: colorful posters announced the "Vailor Coliseum Mini Tournament – Free Entry, Automatic Registration for All Rank B." Takumi only noticed the automatic registration detail when it was already too late.
"Wait… automatic?" he asked, frowning.
Elara sighed and showed him a crumpled poster. "The Guild put this up yesterday. All Rank B adventurers in the city are already registered. Including you."
"Oh, that's great," Vespera said with a smile that didn't hide her intentions. "A perfect chance to bet."
Takumi looked at her suspiciously. "You promised you'd never bet on anything again after that disaster with the apple merchant."
"I promised… but I didn't keep it," she replied, looking away. "A small bet doesn't hurt anyone."
Liriel adjusted her staff with elegance — or tried to, since she almost dropped it. "This is a peaceful event, right? Nothing lethal? Just controlled strikes?"
"In theory," Elara said, shrugging. "But this is Vailor. People here have a strange sense of 'control.'"
Takumi was still trying to understand how he had been dragged into this, but before he could complain, they were already in line at the Coliseum entrance.
The inside of the Coliseum was simple but lively. Circular stone stands, colorful banners fluttering, and an animated atmosphere that made the whole city vibrate. Takumi received a light protective armor — more symbolic than useful — and a number on his arm: 17.
"Takumi, good luck!" said a familiar voice.
He turned and found Bran, the blacksmith who always charged too much. "And try not to ruin the items I gave you. If you break that blade, I'll charge double."
"Is that encouragement or a threat?" Takumi asked.
"Both."
The announcement echoed through the coliseum, calling the first competitors to the arena. Takumi still had a few minutes before his fight, so he approached the railing to watch while Liriel tried to calm her nerves beside him.
"Do you think it'll be dangerous?" she asked.
"It's just a small tournament," Takumi replied. "Nothing serious."
What he saw next didn't help his confidence: competitor number 3 was thrown so high that he disappeared from sight for two seconds before falling like a sack of potatoes onto the ground.
"Uh… controlled?" Liriel whispered.
"In theory," Takumi repeated, swallowing hard.
It was his turn. The announcement rang out loud:
"Fight number four! Competitor 17, Takumi, versus Competitor 12, Rassven 'The Walking Hammer'!"
Takumi looked at his opponent — a man who seemed to have been born inside an anvil and never left. Huge shoulders, braided beard, two heavy hammers, and a confident smile.
"You look fragile," Rassven said. "I hope you can withstand at least one hit."
Takumi let out a sigh and took his stance. "Could've been an easier opponent…"
The judge raised the flag.
"Begin!"
Rassven charged like a bull, kicking up dust with the weight of his steps. Takumi barely dodged the first strike; the impact cracked the stone floor. He retreated quickly and tried to counterattack with a light thrust, but the man was as tough as steel.
"Nice dodge!" someone shouted from the stands.
"You're gonna lose!" another voice yelled — possibly Vespera.
Takumi took a deep breath and activated only a trace of his inner flame — just enough to increase his speed, without making anything flashy. His movements became more fluid, allowing him to dodge and strike with precision.
Rassven noticed the change. "Heh, now we're talking!"
The fight lasted several intense minutes, and despite his size, Rassven was surprisingly agile. Takumi waited for an opening — small, but real — and seized it when his opponent's hammer got stuck in the ground for half a second after a poorly calculated blow.
Takumi slid to the side and struck the side of Rassven's armor with focused force. It didn't destroy the armor, but it broke the giant's balance.
Rassven dropped to his knees.
"Fine skill… kid…" he murmured, before collapsing completely.
The judge raised his arm.
"Winner: Takumi!"
The stands erupted in applause, whistles, and cheers. Takumi breathed deeply, feeling his muscles burn.
"Is it over already?" Vespera asked, running down the steps toward him. "Great! I made a lot of money on this."
Takumi blinked. "You bet on me?"
"Of course! But… I kind of bet wrong at first. I'd bet you'd lose, but I changed it at the last second."
Elara crossed her arms, giving Vespera a long sigh. "You're impossible."
Liriel smiled gently, placing a hand on Takumi's shoulder. "You did very well. I knew you would win."
Takumi gave a tired smile. "Thanks. I hope this earns at least a few coins."
Then the Guild messenger came running toward him.
"Takumi! Your victory guarantees a participation reward… ten silver coins!"
He looked at the ten shiny coins in the pouch he was handed.
"All this trouble… for that?"
Elara raised an eyebrow. "That doesn't even pay half the house debt."
Vespera hugged the pouch of coins she had won from betting. "Then use my profit!"
Takumi tried to grab a coin, but she immediately clutched the bag to her chest. "I mean… use a small part."
Takumi sighed deeply.
"It's official… nothing in this city is simple."
And so the group left the Coliseum, with Takumi more tired than he would have liked and certain that Vespera should never be left alone near anywhere betting was involved.
But despite the confusion, it was that kind of light chaos that made Vailor feel like home — even if it was a home full of debts.